Some 5.8GHz Networks Don’t Comply

Apparently, the UK is awash with 5.8GHz networks that don’t comply with Ofcom regulations.

Companies and organisations (mainly schools) across Britain are breaking the law by running high-speed wireless networks that don’t comply with the safeguards introduced by Ofcom when the band was opened up, according to Paul Munnery, managing director of Wireless CNP, which designs and installs wireless networks.

When Ofcom made the 5.8GHz band available to use under a “light-licensing” regime in December 2003, it ruled that network equipment had to include dynamic frequency selection (DFS) technology to minimise interference with military radar, because the Ministry of Defence already used the band, and transmit power control (TPC) to ensure that a network transmitted at the lowest power level possible.

However, Ofcom is unlikely to be able to identify those in breach of the rules since the regulator’s RMDF units cover only VHF and UHF monitoring and direction-finding. 5.8GHz is well above the 3GHz boundary between UHF and microwave.